The University of Hamburg is a public research university located in Hamburg, Germany. It was established in 1919 and is recognized as northern Germany's largest research university. The university is a leader in both fundamental and applied research across disciplines in a suitable learning environment.
The University of Hamburg acceptance rate is approximately 18-20% which means that the university is highly selective, increasing the competition among applicants. This shows that out of every 100 candidates, only 20 of them are granted admission to the university. All students must have a high GPA, a strong application with letters of recommendation, and a well-written SOP to increase their chances of admission at Hamburg.
The University of Hamburg is home to 42,819 students, among which there are approximately 24,365 female students. Hence, the female-to-male ratio at the university is 57:43. The university has approximately 5,998 international students. The overseas students at the University of Hamburg contribute to 14% of the total student population.
The University of Hamburg offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programmes across various disciplines, including Humanities, Law, Medicine, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. The university is renowned for its strong research reputation, attracting faculty, and fostering a stimulating academic environment.
Unlike many universities in Germany, the University of Hamburg does not charge tuition fees for both international and local students, however, students are required to pay a mandatory semester fee of 332 EUR (Rs. 29,927.49) that covers administrative costs and semesterticket within Hamburg.
Hamburg, a vibrant and cosmopolitan city, offers a wealth of cultural attractions, historical landmarks, and exciting nightlife for students to explore outside of academics. The university provides various support services to assist international students with the application process, accommodation, and campus life.
The application dates at the University of Hamburg vary based on the programme and semester. Candidates must submit their winter semester applications between June 1 and July 15. All overseas graduate applicants must submit their applications by February 15 to March 31. The application date for the summer semester is December 1 to January 15. Students must refer to the university's website for exact requirements and deadlines.
Also read: Benefits of studying in Germany
The University of Hamburg offers 75 undergraduate programmes, 89 master's courses, 6-degree programmes with the state, and 12 continuing education and graduate programmes. The university is a well-known research institution in Germany, with a focus on interdisciplinary research. The University of Hamburg offers a wide range of degree certifications, including humanities, law, medicine, and scientific sciences. It also offers various English-language programmes for overseas students.
The University of Hamburg charges no tuition fees to both domestic and foreign students. However, the semester cost for the summer semester of 2024 is 332 EUR (Rs. 29,927.49). A breakdown of the semester is listed below:
15.00 EUR (Rs. 1,352.15) for the statutory purposes of the student body
176.40 EUR (Rs. 15,901.23) for the semester ticket and
5.60 EUR (Rs. 504.80) for the semester ticket hardship fund as well
85.00 EUR (Rs. 7,662.16) for the student union
An administrative cost contribution of 50.00 EUR (Rs. 4,507.15).
The University of Hamburg is located in Hamburg, which is an expensive city in Germany, but it is still affordable, especially compared to other major European cities. Students need to cover the costs of living in Germany which includes housing, food, health insurance, and other expenses. Here's a breakdown of living expenditures in Hamburg.
Cost of living at the University of Hamburg
Expense list | Costs |
Student accommodation | 300 EUR - 500 EUR 400 EUR - 700 EUR (Shared apartment) 760 EUR - 990 EUR (Private housing) |
Food | 300 EUR o 400 EUR |
Health insurance | 80 EUR |
The University of Hamburg acceptance rate is approximately 18-20% which shows that the university is highly selective and only a few students are admitted to the university every year. Applicants looking for admission to the University of Hamburg must apply online by filling out an application form available on the official website. A detailed procedure is mentioned below.
How to apply to the University of Hamburg?
Visit the official website of the university.
Choose the programme of your choice.
Applicants must meet the requirements of the chosen course at Hamburg.
Apply through the application form online.
Register first and create your username and password.
Fill out the application form with relevant information.
Attach the required documents or mail them if required.
Submit the application form.
University of Hamburg application deadlines
Semester type | Application deadline |
Winter semester | June 1 to July 15 February 15 to March 31 (for international graduate courses) |
Summer semester | December 1 to January 15 |
University of Hamburg: Documents Required
High school academic documents
Proof of German proficiency.
A copy of the Study Visa and Passport
Letter of Recommendation (optional)
Work Experience (optional)
Statement of Purpose (if required)
Read more: Study in Germany
The University of Hamburg offers several scholarships for international students, including merit-based scholarships, need-based scholarships, and subject-specific scholarships. A few of the scholarships awarded at the university are mentioned below:
University of Hamburg Merit Scholarships for International Students: This award is available to outstanding foreign students and doctoral researchers in all fields and degree levels.
Germany Scholarship (Deutschlandstipendium): This scholarship is supported by both the German federal government and private sponsors. It is given to exceptional and dedicated students from across the world, regardless of nationality or background.
Hamburg University of Technology (TUHH) Excellence Scholarships: These scholarships are available to excellent overseas students pursuing Master's degrees at TUHH. The scholarships cover complete tuition and fees, as well as a monthly stipend for living expenses.
DAAD Scholarships: The German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) provides several scholarship programmes for overseas students, such as PhD studies and research periods in Germany.
In addition to the scholarships listed above, the University of Hamburg offers a variety of different financing alternatives to international students. These include grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Also read: Scholarships in Germany
All international applicants seeking admission to the University of Hamburg, must meet the following entry requirements.
To apply for an undergraduate or a master's degree programme at the University of Hamburg, applicants must present documentation of their first higher education degree.
If candidates did not complete their first degree in a German-language programme at a German-speaking institution, students must show proof of German competency to be admitted into a degree programme at the University of Hamburg.
The University of Hamburg is a highly-ranked university with a strong reputation for research and academic excellence. The University of Hamburg has 42,819 students in the Winter Semester, among which there are approximately 5,998 international students, contributing to 14% of the total student body. All overseas students can contact the university on the following details:
Address: University of Hamburg, Mittelweg 177, 20148 Hamburg
Contact: +49 40 42838-0
The University of Hamburg acceptance rate is approximately 18-20% which means that out of every 100 candidates, only 20 of them are granted admission to the university. All students must have outstanding academic scores, a strong application with letters of recommendation, and a well-written SOP to increase their chances of admission at Hamburg.